2.13.25 – A Message From Your APFA Leadership: February 13, 2025

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Hello Everyone,

A historic number of executive orders have been issued since January 20, 2025, many of which have impacted our Members at work and home.

A single executive order issued by the White House stated that the government will only recognize two sexes, male and female, and that those two sexes are “fixed” or “assigned” at birth. According to this executive order, all government agencies must end all references to a person’s gender identity. This executive order impacts numerous programs used by our Transgender Members and will impact federal documentation like passports. Many passports and other documentation provided by federal, state, and local governments reflect the gender identity of our Transgender and Non-Binary coworkers and this attempts to erase them from existence.

Why This Matters

Denying the existence of genders beyond male and female can lead to higher rates of discrimination, rejection, and mental health struggles for Transgender and Non-Binary individuals.

Recognizing gender diversity allows Transgender and Non-Binary people to live authentically, access rights and healthcare, and be treated with dignity. Moving beyond a strict two-sex model helps create more inclusive policies, workplaces, and communities where all people are respected.

APFA stands committed to supporting all Members, including those directly impacted by unfounded attacks via executive order and outright bigotry based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity.

Defending DEI, Immigrant Rights, and Worker Protections

In the workplace, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is about developing talent, measuring it fairly, and uncovering hidden or underrepresented potential where not everyone has the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. DEI initiatives in fact broaden the talent pool. DEI initiatives, along with immigrant rights, are under attack, threatening the progress Unions have made toward fair and just workplaces. As these challenges strengthen, we remain committed to protecting our Members.

Attacks on DEI and immigration policies have real consequences for Workers’ rights, workplace safety, and the strength of our Unions. APFA will continue collaborating with Unions across industries and occupations to defend all Members’ rights.

Solidarity is our strength, and APFA remains committed to fighting for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for our Members and the Labor Movement.

APFA EAP Peer Representatives

In Solidarity,